Bob Burkman’s Prayer
Heavenly Father,
In recent months, many of us have lost friends or loved ones.
We rarely speak of death. It is a tender word we often only whisper.
We know that for those who trust in You, death is not a period at the end of the sentence, but a comma, a pause before the capital letter of eternity.
When our days here are complete, remind us that we are not losing a battle but graduating to glory. What we call goodbye, You call welcome home.
What feels like an ending to us is, in Your hands, a beginning brighter than we can imagine.
Help us live so fully, love so generously and laugh so freely that when our time comes, we can step forward, not with fear, but with faith, confident that Your light shines on both sides of the doorway.
Until then, teach us to cherish each day, to comfort one another with hope and to remember that in Your eternal story, life always wins.
Amen
Get to Know a Member – Ron Rearick
President Sarah Umbreit led this week’s “Get to Know a Member” by interviewing Ron Rearick. When asked about his favorite Optimist project, Ron quickly named Tri-Star Basketball. If given the chance to speak for 30 minutes on a topic he enjoys, he said the group would hear all about pickleball. Ron also shared a memorable experience from his time in Afghanistan, where he had the opportunity to meet President Bush.
Ron Rearick joined CNO on January 27, 2023, and was sponsored by Joanne Rau.
Announcements
Please sign up using the Member Calendar.
CHS Wrestling Program Update
Matt Goeke provided an update on the wrestling mat donated to the Centerville High School wrestling program. Approximately 260 youth, middle school, and high school wrestlers use the mat multiple times each week. The competition mat now includes a Centerville Noon Optimist logo so spectators can see the club’s support during events.
Community Conversation on The Anxious Generation
Joan Cordonnier announced an upcoming community conversation on Saturday February 21, 2026, at Epiphany Lutheran Church focused on the book The Anxious Generation. The event will feature Bethany Mallory, a child psychiatrist, along with school and community leaders. The program will include roundtable discussions with experts and run from 9:00 a.m. to noon, with refreshments provided.
Tri-Star Basketball Volunteers Needed
Scott Langer, speaking on behalf of Tri-Star Basketball, shared that the event will be held on March 7, 2026, at Watts Middle School. About 10 additional volunteers are still needed. Volunteer shifts are available from 8:00 to 10:15 a.m. and from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Please sign up using the Member Calendar.
Memorial Education Assistance Award Applications
Gary Smiga announced that applications are now available for the Memorial Education Assistance Award. Eligible students include seniors from Centerville High School, Spring Valley Academy, and other schools serving students who live in Centerville or Washington Township. Up to five awards are granted each year, with each scholarship renewable once for a second year.
Easter Egg Hunt Preparation and Volunteer Dates
Carrie Thompson shared an update on preparations for the annual Easter egg hunt. Approximately 4,000 of the 8,000 Easter eggs still need to be stuffed. Volunteers are invited to help on March 28, 2026, at St. Leonard’s beginning at 9:00 a.m. Volunteer sign-up for the April 4 Easter egg hunt event day is available online by using the Member Calendar.
Visual Arts Contest Submission Reminder
Jane Fiehrer reminded members that there is one more week remaining to submit entries for the Visual Arts Contest. Entries are currently being accepted, and members are encouraged to help spread the word.
CNO 2.0
Sarah Umbreit announced upcoming CNO 2.0 meetings. The February gathering will be held on February 19 at Zink’s with a wine tasting. On March 19, they will meet at Underground Chuck’s, a new restaurant near the Dayton Mall. The guest speaker will be Monnie Bush, Founder and CEO of the Victory Project, a mentoring and personal development program for disengaged young men.
Escape Room Social Activity
Sarah Umbreit, on behalf of Connie Risch, shared that the next social event is an Escape Room on Thursday, February 26 at 6 PM. Afterwards you can head to Bock Family Brewing. Please sign up using the Member Calendar.
UD Sinclair Academy -Julia Thompson and Dr. Danielle Boone
Tony Danial introduced Julia Thompson and Dr. Danielle Boone.
Julia Thompson
Julia Thompson serves as Director of Student Success for Community College Partnerships at the University of Dayton. A two-time UD alumna, she has spent nearly 20 years supporting the university in a variety of leadership roles within the Office of Recruitment and Admission. In her current role, Julia leads efforts focused on student success, retention, and engagement for students in the UD Sinclair Academy, helping expand access and create clear pathways to a University of Dayton degree.
Interesting fact: Julia Thompson is the daughter of CNO members Tony and Arline Danial.
Dr. Danielle Boone
Dr. Danielle Boone serves as Director of the UD Sinclair Academy Professional and Applied Learning Fellowship at the University of Dayton and is also a Psychology faculty member at Sinclair and UD. She designs employer-informed, experiential learning initiatives that connect higher education and industry and help prepare students for meaningful careers. A nationally recognized scholar-practitioner, Dr. Boone’s work focuses on professional development, workforce systems, and character-informed leadership across higher education.
Overview
The University of Dayton Sinclair Academy (UDSA) is a joint initiative between the University of Dayton and Sinclair Community College designed to create a clear and affordable pathway to a University of Dayton Bachelor’s degree for students who begin their education at Sinclair.
Founded in the spring of 2016, the Academy allows students to be members of both campuses at the same time. Students typically spend two to three years at Sinclair completing an Associate degree, which is required before transitioning to UD to finish a Bachelor’s degree. From the start, students know exactly how their Sinclair credits will transfer and what their total cost will be at UD, including scholarships and need-based aid.
Academic Pathways and Student Support
The Academy offers more than 70 academic pathways across engineering, health sciences, business, education, and arts and sciences. While enrolled at Sinclair, students have access to UD academic advisors, student organizations, and campus facilities. Students are required to meet at least once per semester with a UD academic advisor to ensure they remain on track and connected to their intended field of study.
A newer option allows Academy students to live in University of Dayton housing while attending Sinclair. This year, about 30 students selected this option, helping them build relationships and feel part of the UD community earlier in their college experience.
Enrollment Growth and Graduate Outcomes
Enrollment has grown steadily since the program launched. More than 200 students are currently enrolled in the Academy while attending Sinclair, with additional students already transitioned to UD. Since 2019, more than 200 students have graduated from the University of Dayton through the UD Sinclair Academy pathway.
Graduate outcomes have been strong. Approximately 80 percent of Academy graduates have remained employed in the greater Dayton region, supporting the program’s goal of retaining local talent after graduation.
Professional and Applied Learning Fellowship
Dr. Danielle Boone discussed the Professional and Applied Learning Fellowship, an initiative closely tied to the Academy and focused on workforce readiness. The Fellowship was developed in response to projected regional shortages in STEM and technical fields by 2035.
University of Dayton and Sinclair leaders interviewed 30 employers across the region to better understand workforce needs. Based on that feedback, courses at both institutions have been revised to include applied, project-based learning and real-world experience. Students are connected with employers early in their academic careers through paid co-ops and internships, many of which pay between $28 and $37 per hour.
Preparing Students for Today’s Workforce
Employers shared that technical skills were not their primary concern. Instead, they identified challenges related to communication, emotional regulation, professionalism, and interpersonal skills. In response, the Fellowship places a strong emphasis on character development and professional behaviors alongside academic preparation.
By graduation, many students have several years of relevant professional experience and a clearer sense of direction as they enter the workforce.
A Model for Student Success
Julia Thompson emphasized that partnerships like the UD Sinclair Academy are uncommon between private universities and community colleges. The program directly addresses common barriers faced by community college students, including credit transfer uncertainty, financial risk, and lack of career clarity.
As the Academy approaches its 10-year milestone, it continues to serve as a model for improving transfer success, degree completion, and workforce readiness while keeping graduates connected to the Dayton region.
Slides
The slide deck has more information than is listed in this article.
You can view the slide deck of the presentation here.
Thank You
Thank you to Julia Thompson and Dr. Danielle Boone for explaining how the University of Dayton Sinclair Academy is expanding access to higher education while preparing students for long-term success in our region.
New Member Readings and Inductions
No readings or inductions today.
Happy Bucks
- Jeff Busch’s son Hunter was just inducted into the National Honor Society at CHS.
- Scott Langer’s new grandchild arrives tomorrow.
- Joan Cordonnier is happy for the two wonderful speakers and the information presented during today’s program.
- Arline Danial found Tony Danial’s wallet.
- Jessica Wagner, chair of the Oratorical Contest, thanked everyone who helped make this year’s contest a success.
- Val Huff is grateful to be here today, she had a choking incident and the paramedics and the medical center were fantastic.
- Kelly George attended a UD Basketball game with her 82-year-old mom and her two sisters. They haven’t all been together for a while and they had a lot of fun.
- Matt Goeke shared the news that his son is the middle school district wrestling champion, the first Centerville wrestler to earn that title in about 15 years.
- Teresa Nichols shared that she is completing job readiness training at an addiction recovery center, where she will be helping prepare individuals for employment. She is excited to be stepping into this new role.
Sergeants-at-Arms Fines – Beth Duncan and Tony Danial
- Jane Fiehrer was fined for not filing her name badge correctly last week.
- Don Kelley was fined after asking today’s speaker, Julia Thompson, if it was rough growing up as the daughter of Sergeant Tony Danial. Julia responded enthusiastically, noting that both of her parents are great.
Welcome Guests
| Guest | Guest Of |
| Danielle Boone | Speaker |
| Gary Jaworek | Tony Danial |
| Joanne Jaworek | Tony Danial |
| Joyce Swiadek | Mike Bevis |
| Julia Thompson | Speaker |
| Kevin Lawler | Janer Fiehrer |
| Leila Giffin | Erin Giffin |
| Mark Nickley | Theresa Nichols |
| Pete Lawhon | Erin Giffin |
| Sara Lawhon | Erin Giffin |
| Steve Stanforth | Karl Frydryk |
| Tom Stauffer | Ellie Parker |
Club Membership Anniversaries
| Member | Joined | Years |
| Harry Bossey | February 17, 1994 | 32 |
| Lou Brinkman | February 17, 1995 | 31 |
| Bob Lawson | February 17, 2016 | 10 |
| Sandy Stevens | February 17, 2010 | 16 |
| Sarah Umbreit | February 17, 2016 | 10 |
| Jack Anderson | February 18, 2016 | 10 |
| Laura Caschera | February 18, 1997 | 29 |
| Tim Bemis | February 19, 2019 | 7 |
| Katie Calloway | February 19, 2019 | 7 |
| Doug Reno | February 19, 2019 | 7 |
| Ron Thompson | February 19, 2019 | 7 |
Birthdays
| Stan Fronzaglia | February 20 |
| Julie Walling Noeth | February 20 |
Thank You Notes Received this Week
CLICK HERE to see the Thank You Notes we received this week
Links to PowerPoint and Pictures
CLICK HERE to see the PowerPoint Slide Deck from this week’s meeting